"We became great friends and have remained friends ever since. She doesn't ride now but did for many, many years and now she's written a book."

Miss Holyman said she wanted to highlight the scale of the operation at the riding centre, which she said had 30 ponies, and helped about 370 adults and children to ride each week.

She said: "They have to raise quite a lot of money.

"From time-to-time they pick me up and take me down there, so I keep in touch. They have changed over time. There are ever so many volunteers. It's a huge operation."

Miss Holyman's citation said she regularly helped severely disabled children and adults at the centre, showing great empathy with the riders and an understanding of the therapeutic value of horse riding.

Cricketer honoured

She said: "With learning disabled children you can get their attention and it helps their concentration and with the physically disabled you would be amazed at the difference in them."

Across Surrey, David Cherry, from Hinchley Wood, has been appointed an MBE for services to children and young people. Mr Cherry is a composer and arranger for the Boys' Brigade Marching Bands.

Former England cricketer Mark Ramprakash, who used to play for Surrey County Cricket Club, has also been made an MBE.

Hilary Whittaker, chief executive of Beating Bowel Cancer has also received an honour.

Ms Whittaker, of Thames Ditton, was made an MBE for services to Bowel Cancer Awareness.

BBC links

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